Switzerland’s upper house of parliament wants to allow other countries to re-export weapons. Legislators approved an amendment to the relevant law, the Senate reported. 22 deputies voted “for,” 14 voted “against,” and four abstained.
“The Council of Cantons seeks to allow other countries to transfer military equipment purchased in Switzerland under certain conditions. The Council has adopted a relevant parliamentary initiative from the Commission on Security Policy. A legislative project based on another initiative is already under development,” the statement said.
Currently, countries that have bought Swiss weapons do not resell them. The new amendment means buyers can re-export their purchases after five years of ownership without Switzerland’s consent. “States that share Switzerland’s values and have a comparable export control regime” will be able to receive weapons.
Re-exports will also be allowed to countries under martial law that use weapons for self-defense. The parliament emphasized that the initiative is not explicitly targeting Ukraine, but this issue will be taken into account during the law’s drafting. Now the Swiss National Council has to vote for the adopted amendment.
Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, thanked the Senate for this step to unblock the re-export of Swiss weapons.
“I thank the Swiss parliament’s upper house for an important move to unblock the re-export of Swiss-made weapons. We are looking forward to the next steps. I am grateful to Switzerland for its solidarity with Ukraine while upholding its neutrality,” Kuleba said.
Previously, Switzerland refused Spain’s, Germany’s, and Denmark’s requests to re-export weapons to Ukraine – all because of Switzerland’’s political neutrality. At the same time, Bern supported sanctions against Russia.
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